Mouse Tower in Kruszwica

Today, Kruszwica, associated with the beginnings of the Polish state, is mainly associated with the legend of Popiel and the Mysia Tower towering over the city. It is a defensive tower, the remains of a 14th-century castle built by King Casimir the Great. The stronghold, whose purpose was to protect against invasions by the Teutonic Order, did not survive numerous fires and twists of fate. The Swedes, who occupied the castle in the years 1655-1657, burned it when they retreated, and during the partition period the castle buildings were demolished. Fortunately, the tower was not demolished. Today we can admire the remains of the walls and an octagonal tower rising to a height of 32 m. If you look closely, you can see cannonballs fired during the siege. It is worth climbing the winding stairs leading to the top of the Mouse Tower. It offers a beautiful view of the vast waters of Lake Gopło. Also take a look into the castle cellars with an exhibition of castle relics and see a reconstructed fragment of the wooden drawbridge that once connected the castle with the city.